Is This Michigan Weather Myth True?

I was scrolling on social media the other day when I ran across someone's post that made me question something I always thought was a real thing.

Get our free mobile app

After looking into it a little more I was embarrassed to find out that I had always thought this weather event was a real thing, but turns out it's not real.

If you also thought this was real don't feel bad, instead look at it as a learning experience and something you can share with other people if they ever say the same thing.

Does Michigan Get Heat Lighting?

Growing up whenever I saw lighting flashing in the clouds but never heard any thunder I was under the impression that it was from something called heat Lightning.

Turns out that's not a real thing.

Read More: Fun Indoors Activities For When Grand Rapids Weather Turns Bad

When you see lighting in the clouds or from far away but you don't hear any thunder people often call that heat lighting but in reality it's just regular old lighting.

The lighting seems to be different because of several factors including distance and conditions in the atmosphere.

The reason you might see lighting but not hear anything is because lighting can be seen from up to 100 miles away, while the sound of thunder can only travel about 10-15 miles.

The term heat lightning is so commonly thrown around because it's most often noticed on warm, humid summer nights when thunderstorms are common.

Read More: These 5 Michigan Weather Records May Never Be Broken

Hopefully, you can share this newfound weather knowledge with someone the next time 'heat lightning' comes up.